DMC Hot News
WHATS NEW BRAZIL
Hotel situation in Rio de Janeiro
5*: Former Hotel Iberostar (ex Meridien Copacabana) and Hotel Gloria will remain closed until further notice.
Elcotour offers some excellent 4* Hotels: * Hotel Leme Othon … * Hotel Astoria Palace …* Hotel Porto Bay…*Hotel Excelsior (all of them beach front)
Hotel das Cataratas - Foz do Iguacu
Official announcement regarding renovations works, by the Hotels General Manager.
Mr. Celson Valle: “We are pleased to announce that the Hotel das Cataratas is starting in April 2008 an extensive three part renovation. The swimming pool and pool restaurant “Ipe Bar & Grill” will be closed, probably between June 1st and August 31st. During this project, the hotel’s room and restaurant facilities will remain open, therefore, to ensure minimal disruption to the guests, sections or wings of the hotel being worked on which will be closed off and remain separate from the public and guest areas of the hotel. End of conclusion of works unknown yet.” (updated Mar 27th 2008)
Brazilian Hotels Changing Names
Following Hotels have changed names/brands. Rates and booking conditions remain until further notice (subject to confirmation):
Praia do Forte Ecoresort = TIVOLI COLLECTION ECORESORT PRAIA DO FORTE
Hotel Blue Tree Park Brasília = BRASILIA ALVORADA HOTEL
Hotel Renaissance Costa do Sauipe = COSTA DO SAUIPE ALL INCLUSIVE RESORT
Hotel Marriott Sauipe = HOTEL COSTA DO SAUIPE GOLF & SPA
Convento do Carmo = PESTANA CONVENTO DO CARMO
New Brazilian Airline
In early 2009, the owners of the US airline JET BLUE will start operating a new Brazilian airline, still to be named. They will operate on domestic routes, initially with 24 airplanes.
NEW PROPERTIES FEATURED ON ST. LUCIA!!
The island of St. Lucia will see the development of new properties in the years to come. We at Barefoot Incentives are pleased to announce the development of new properties who have recently made St. Lucia their home.
We are truly proud of our Simply Beautiful Island - St. Lucia and we are delighted to share those new developments with you.
JADE MOUNTAIN
Recently opened and located high on Morne Chastanet, overlooking the Pitons and Caribbean Sea, JADE MOUNTAIN is a resort within a resort at ANSE CHASTANET. Expect grand sweeping accommodations beyond the imagination, with sleeping and living areas, and an extravagantly sized infinity edge pool in each suite flowing one into another to form an amazing floating platform with the 4th wall missing entirely - the result being a stage-like setting from which to embrace the full glory of St. Lucia's twin Pitons and the shimmering Caribbean Sea - a view one is not likely to ever forget.
THE LANDINGS
Situated on spectacular Rodney Bay, near the northern tip of St. Lucia, this 231 room hotel offers the ideal spot for an unforgettable, luxury island getaway. In fact, many believe that the resort is located on one of the best beaches on St. Lucia. The Landings has been designed to make expert use of Rodney Bay’s natural harbor. Each accommodation unit features breathtaking views of the idyllic beach. The westward-facing beach provides a wonderful spot for floating on the calm waters of the bay. The beachside restaurant and bar offers the perfect setting from which to view the dazzling Caribbean sunsets while the beautifully landscaped paths and harborside promenades allows one to enjoy lovely views throughout the resort.
THE WESTIN
The Westin Le Paradis St. Lucia Beach & Golf Resort encompasses nearly 600 acres and more than one mile of coastline.
From the Westin Heavenly Bed to the Westin Heavenly Bath, each of the luxurious guest rooms and suites will feature all the comforts for which Westin has become known.
Enjoy all of the amenities you would expect from a Caribbean resort paradise, from a breathtaking Greg Norman designed 18-hole golf course to a world-class spa, pristine beaches and fitness centre.
THE RITZ CARLTON - A stunning Oasis
The undeveloped south tip of St. Lucia will be home to the soon to be built five star Ritz Carlton Resort. This resort will be developed to please the most refined travelers and will include a world class spa, tennis, championship golf course, water sports and numerous dining options. Additional information will be forthcoming;
RAFFLES RESORT ST.LUCIA (Opening 2010)
The announcement of the construction of a Raffles Resort has the island’s tourism personnel abuzz with excitement. The resort will spread over 360 acres marked by sweeping ocean views, dramatic cliffs and secluded beaches. Within this magical backdrop is a stunning 200-room resort and exquisite dining options, five pools and a 10,000 - square foot Raffles Amrita Spa. The golf experience at Raffles St Lucia will be any golfer's dream. A Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course will feature as many as seven holes that play to or along the dramatic coastline of St Lucia, with stunning views of the Caribbean from most of the golf course. Complementing the golf course will be a clubhouse and pro shop, as well as tennis courts and three beach clubs to offer other sporting options.
CAP MAISON
One of St. Lucia’s newest exclusive hotels opening in 2008 promises to be one of the island’s leading small niche luxury resorts.
The property is designed to offer the discerning travellers a choice of 50 fabulous oversized rooms and villa suites with an exceptional al fresco design – a totally new approach to 5 star West Indian hotel living.
Cap Maison is perfectly located atop an ocean bluff with breathtaking views to Historical Pigeon Island, the French island of Martinique and the beautiful Smugglers Cove below.
Cap Maison promises to deliver, attention to detail with comfort throughout, Designer furnishings, In-suite unobtrusive contemporary technology, Excellent personal service and Villa style living.
HOT NEWS MALTA
Please click link below for latest news in Malta
Hot News Malta
EGYPT INCENTIVE NEWS
*The new Intercontinental Hotel City Stars - Cairo
The luxurious InterContinental Citystars Cairo is situated adjacent to Cairo's largest retail and leisure complex, Citystars Heliopolis and is the ideal starting point for tours, sightseeing and enjoying the vibrant life of Cairo'. The hotel is only seven minutes from Cairo International Airport and just five minutes from the Cairo International Conference Centre.
Guests are assured of a comfortable and relaxing stay in the 774 guest rooms . Club InterContinental accommodation offers upgraded facilities and amenities.
A choice of dining options includes a Japanese Teppanyaki restaurant, Mediterranean fine dining, Lebanese Restaurant , coffee shop, cocktail lounge , fish market-style restaurant and various entertainment venues.
The hotel offers 19 versatile function rooms including Al Saraya, the largest banquet hall in Cairo, with a maximum capacity of 2200 persons in a reception setting.
A variety of recreational facilities includes the 3000-square-metre Lifestyle Aqua Spa and Wellness Centre, squash and tennis courts, a large outdoor swimming pool and a 24-hour casino.
There is access to 550 shops Citystars, an exhibition centre, 16 cinemas and a family entertainment centre. Concierge services and ample parking are available.
PRESIDENTIAL NILE CRUISES PRESENTS THE REFURBISHED NILE ADMIRAL 5***** DELUXE BOAT
Presidential Nile Cruises owns and runs a fleet of 7 deluxe boats ( Nile Admiral , Nile Commodore, Nile Legend, Nile Plaza, Nile Symphony, Nile Ritz, Nile Princess), fully air conditioned and totaling 500 cabins. Egypt Incentive & Events offers frequent and regular cruises between Luxor and Aswan with flexible itineraries giving the guests the possibility to enjoy and discover over 5,000 years of great civilization, the picturesque Egyptian country life, the calm and the grand beauty of the Nile. In order to offer the guests the best quality of accommodation during their cruise, Nile Admiral was upgraded recently to 5***** plus, offering only upper-deck cabins.
*EXCLUSIVITY IN THE VERY HEART OF THE PHARAOHS LIFE
Private dinner at Habu Temle - Luxor
On behalf of our great Pharaoh Ramsses III, we invite you to have the dinner in majesty’s court to taste the royal wine and to enjoy the exotic Pharaonic cuisine (food catered from a 5* hotel).
Waiters standing in two lines wearing pharaonic uniforms & carrying torches will welcome the guests at the entrance.
Entertainment: Quartet (classical music); Oriental Flute (Nay); Classical Band (8 musicians).
This Gala Dinner concept can be applied in Habu Temple, Karnak Temple or Hatshepsut Temple.
*ORIGINAL TEAMBUILDING
DONKEY POLO, In Luxor or Cairo
The game is played exactly like polo but with brooms sticks & a beach balloon ! Group will be divided into teams as a tournament.Prizes can be awarded to the winning team (papyrus or other gift).
WELCOME TO SWEDEN & STOCKHOLM - RISBECKER INTERNATIONAL
What makes Stockholm the Capital of Scandinavia is among other things the combined results of the following facts:
The BNP of Sweden overcomes that of our neighbouring countries by about 40%- hence two thirds of all Fortune 100 companies have chosen Stockholm as the site for their head offices for Scandinavia and/or Balticum. Many of them also act as Regional offices for Northern Europe.
The main business activities of the region take place in Stockholm.
Nowhere else will you find such a concentration at the same spot of museums (70) and galleries (over 100) as in Stockholm.
Out of curiosity we should also mention that not only is a "Nobel Prize of Music" i.e. the Polar Prize handed out in Stockholm annually but the third most important music production in the world comes from Sweden and most of it is produced in Stockholm (the hometown of ABBA !) by names like The Cardigans, The Hives, Roxette and many others.
From a geographical aspect Stockholm is right in the centre of the Nordic region with easy access to cities like Helsinki, Tallinn, Riga, Vilnius, Oslo, Copenhagen and Reykjavik.
You eat extremely well in Stockholm - we have more restaurants per capita than Paris and New York. This puts us in a unique Scandinavian position.
Flying in to the Stockholm region offers several airport opportunities. Apart from Stockholm-Arlanda (international) Stockholm-Bromma (domestic) also the two airports at Nyköping-Skavsta and Västerås frequented foremost by Ryan Air.
Cruise ships are using Stockholm as a turn-around point more and more and here we are offering our services of course. Likewise on the island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea, where the City of Roses VISBY attracts many visitors. The island is perfect for bicycle tours and horse riding. The worlds largest horse can be found here - you need a ladder to mount it….
No wonder Stockholm ranks among the top venues of congresses in the world. And here we give your clients that additional touch to a traditional congress program which will help the participants remember your company in particular. Ask us for suggestions- it could be transfers, dinners, entertainment, gifts etc
WHAT NEW IN GREECE
GOLFING on CRETE. An 18-hole championship golf course now operates in an exciting desert-style design on the island of Crete. Each hole has been individually sculptured to blend into the existing landscape that offers dramatic views and truly tests every aspect of the golfer's repertoire. Championship golf courses are also available in Athens, Corfu, Halkidiki, Rhodes etc.
CYCLING in Athens. A different way to see the glory of Athens. Ride through the paths of ancient Athens with professional guides to view ancient Greek temples, monuments, churches and other sites that are otherwise not as easily accessible.
BUNGY jumping over the Corinth Canal. For the more adventurous clients, we can now offer Bungy jumping over the Corinth Canal - an 80 meter (262 feet) jump - supervised by a team of professional experts.
SUBMARINE ride in Santorini. For the more adventurous clients, we can now offer a one of the kind underwater experience, in the so called Lost Continent of Atlantis. Wouldn't you like to be in the shoes of Angelina Jolie in the film Tomb Raider II? Here is your chance then. The bathyscaphe Atlantis Santorini I is a new commercial submarine that submerges in the exceptionally beautiful waters of Santorini's Caldera and reaches about 30 meters in depth. Each diving experience/cruise lasts about 1 hour and can accommodate up to 25 people.
OLYMPIC GAMES' experience. For those that did not have the chance to visit Greece for the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, we can give them this experience. Conceptours can now offer its clients some of the venues/stadiums used in the Athens 2004 Olympic Games. Why not create a magical moment for your client.
GENERAL UPDATE ON SWITZERLAND
A true PARADISE for wine lovers!
Vineyards have been cultivated in Switzerland since the Roman era. The principal wine producing areas in the French speaking part represent 74%; Valais, Vaud, Geneva and Neuchatel. 20% in the German speaking area, and 6% in the Ticino area. Between more than 50 varieties of grapes, each area has its own favourite:
" Chasselas " always present during all social and cultural occasions in Vaud.
" Pinot Noir " locally known as " Blauburgunder " in the Zurich area.
" Gamay " Not-to-be-missed in the Geneva region.
" Merlot " Originating from Bordeaux, this wine has found a second home in Ticino…
The most well-known rosé wine is " Œil-de-Pedrix " made of 100% Pinot Noir originating from Neuchatel.
Switzerland, a treasure of specialities ! Ever heard of " Petite Arvine or Amigne " a delicious white wine, or " Humagne and Cornalin " red wine from Valais ?!? Swiss wines that can not be found anywhere else in the world !!!
Combine your next conference in Switzerland with a Rally in the vineyards. Or why not harvest and make your own wine? Something to tell your friends about having a glass of your own "homemade" Swiss wine…
"La vie de CHATEAU"
We invite you to be Lord of the manor of a beautiful castle, surrounded by vineyards. This elegant venue, ideal for small groups, offers you the opportunity to marry work, leisure and gastronomy in a peaceful atmosphere. During the morning, seminars can be organised in the "dependances" of the castle and in the afternoon we start some team building activities based on wine knowledge.
The dinner will take place in a second castle, dating from 17th century, where you can appreciate Swiss specialities with "raclette or cheese fondue".
The region offers a lot of others activities you could discover choosing this exclusive venue.
Welcome to the sunny country of wine for your next seminar!
GENERAL UPDATE ON JORDAN
Two other Kempinskis are opening in Jordan one at the Dead Sea located right next to the Moevenpick. Contraction has just started.
The second Kempinski will be in Aqaba, construction has not yet started
Intercontinental is building a very nice property in Aqaba on the shores of the Red Sea and will be ready end of this year.
The royal diving center in Aqaba located on the south beach of Aqaba 10 minute drive from the city is fully equipped with the latest diving equipment and a lovely sand beach with a snack bar sun beds and towels as well a three star hotel set up on the same location specially for divers is being built and will be ready by end of December of 04 at the Royal diving center a jetty is set up from the beach ending over the corals and reefs where diving and snorkeling can take place.
A new beach has been opened in Aqaba named Barracuda Beach where sun beds towels are available a snack bar and restaurant plus water sports like skiing, jet skies, banana ride etc.
This beach can be used for guests staying in the hotels in Aqaba which are not located on the beach, or for the cruises that call on to Aqaba where guests do not want to do the full day tour to Petra & Wadi Rum and would like to spend time on the beach while the cruise ship is docked in Aqaba.
A new 30 meter long (about 100 foot) air-conditioned luxury Mahogany Wood sailing Yacht called Sinbad is in Aqaba that can be chartered for overnight for small up market groups or Incentives. It can be used for up to 70 Pax for one day snorkeling trip to Pharos island or the Yamaniya south reef of Aqaba where the most beautiful corals and sea life can be observed the full day trip includes a BBQ lunch on board.
For accommodation:
It has 7 double bedded rooms & 2 twin bedded rooms each equipped with its own toilet and standing shower where you pull out the shower handle from the washing basin.
The deck is equipped with built in sun beds on the front part and far back part.
The yacht looks like a boat from the old days.
VIENNA – RACY EVENTS!
A uniquely Viennese combination of tradition and the modern. The historic “Krieau” Trotting race track in the centre of the city reopens, offering a perfect location for all types of event. Take your VIP party to the races with private loge and the opportunity to go behind the scenes and try out the trotting. Or hire the whole venue for up to 3000 guests with your own race, or the track can also be used for any number of other events, team-building, “Olympics”, shows…
A versatile venue with turn of the century charm, combined with all the facilities and equipment need for the modern-day unforgettable event.
GREEN ROUTE
Please click below to view editorial on South Africa
M&IT Editorial on South Africa - Luxury in the Wild by Glen Byrom
NEWS FROM SWITZERLAND
Heading for the future - Incentive in Val de Travers
Taking as their slogan "Heading for the future" a group of 90 guests travelled through different eras for three days, with the era changing each day. The journey started in the past, continued into the present and finished in the future. After a trip in old post buses through the snowy landscape of the mystical Val de Travers, the group reached the asphalt mine of Travers. The extraction of natural asphalt in now a thing of the past here, but the life of those times was evoked by theatre groups, using special lighting effects and by recounting tales of times past. This was followed by a cosy and convivial evening where any hunger pangs were assuaged with a local speciality of ham cooked in asphalt. And there was a singer on hand to cast her spell over the guests with her redition of French songs.
The Tempo upped somewhat on the second day- after all, the group had now arrived in the present. After some internal meetings, the song "The race" by the Swiss group Yello acted as starting gun for the "Time of Challenge Rally". The theme “Speed into the future” invited the 90 guests to travel during 3 consecutive days from the past into future. Starting rather slowly, the speed increased as the travellers, which took place in the La Chaux-de-Fonds/ Le Locle region. The bank notes and share certificates that had been specially produced fro the occasion were used as currency. The tasks which the group were set involved fun, skill and artistic dexterity. And by skilful wheeling and dealing it was possible to earn additional capital - or also to lose it. Fluctuating exchange rates made profitable business transactions more haphazard.
After a marathon meeting session in the fascinating surroundings of the Centre Dürrenmatt on the third day, a comedy troupe called "Flügzüg (flying train)" elicited a storm of enthusiastic applause with their incredibly dry wit. The guests then reviewed the event of the previous days over a drink and bite to eat at the former home of Friederich Dürrenmatten, where a new extension by international star architect Mario Botta has now been added. And as pointer to the future, all of the participants received a photo album to remind them of these three days in the years to come.
NEW DISCOVERIES IN GENEVA!
Tired of always using the same venue ? Want to try something new and unusual? Here are a few of our new ideas used for recent events, with an excellent feedback from our clients :
The Hidden Cellar
Located in the heart of the Old Town, this cellar belongs to a private house based on the historical walls of Geneva. "La Cave" has preserved the traditional aspect of the old times and is the perfect setting for an original cocktail and dinner. Cozy atmosphere with stoned ceiling and medieval architecture are the surrounding for your next "hidden" event
The Art Gallery
Select one of the most prestigious houses in Geneva for your next event! Located in the heart of business centre and near the Old Town, the Art Gallery is a beautiful 17th Century building. At that time it was an ancient Chapel used for the Sunday school and as an old books depot. On Year 2000, the owner decided to renovate this location as a Gallery-Coffee and also for organising special dinners. Its walls entirely constructed with stones and its four Column give a very special atmosphere to the place
The Trendy Loft
Would you like to see how regular a car workshop could turn into a trendy and fashion location ? Because of the large windows and ceiling shafts light literally streams into the premises. This exclusive and brand new venue is ideally located in Geneva's centre and offers to hold events that will make the "difference"
The Historical "Palais"
Ranked historical monument, the building belongs to the Arts Society of Geneva since 1863. The Red Cross Institution was founded here in October 1863 in the Grand Salon. With its historical character, the "Palais" offers a unique setting for small conferences, sumptuous gala dinner or prestigious cocktail.